In a significant diplomatic push, senior United States officials have held their sixth meeting with Ukrainian counterparts in just two weeks, intensifying efforts to find a pathway to end the ongoing war. The State Department confirmed the latest round of discussions took place over two days, focusing on advancing a plan for a lasting and just peace.
Constructive Talks on Sovereignty and Security
The American delegation, which included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, an unofficial advisor to former President Donald Trump, met with Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov and Chief of General Staff Andriy Hnatov. The talks, described as constructive, centered on establishing a credible process toward peace.
Secretary Umerov firmly restated Ukraine's primary condition: any settlement must protect the nation's independence and sovereignty, ensure the safety of its citizens, and lay a stable foundation for a democratic and prosperous future. The discussions also covered the outcomes of recent American engagements with Russian officials and potential steps to halt the conflict, which is approaching its fourth year.
Deterrence and the Need for Russian Commitment
Held in Florida, the dialogue addressed the necessary deterrence capabilities Ukraine requires to sustain a lasting peace. Both sides agreed on a preliminary framework for future security arrangements. A critical point of consensus was that any real progress is contingent on Russia's readiness to demonstrate a serious commitment to long-term peace. This commitment, they stressed, must include tangible steps toward de-escalation and an end to hostilities.
This meeting followed a notable encounter earlier in the week, when Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Witkoff and Kushner in Moscow to discuss a potential peace plan. Following that meeting, a Russian presidential aide expressed hope that Washington would share details from its ongoing negotiations with Ukraine.
Planning for a Post-War "Future Prosperity Agenda"
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, the officials reviewed a broader "future prosperity agenda" for Ukraine. This ambitious plan encompasses post-war reconstruction, joint economic initiatives, and long-term recovery projects. Both parties emphasized that credible progress toward a ceasefire is essential not only to stop the fighting but also to unlock this comprehensive redevelopment plan, which aims to rebuild a Ukraine "stronger and more prosperous than before the war."
The parties decided to reconvene on Saturday to continue their discussions, building on what they termed a productive and successful meeting held the previous weekend. Reflecting on the talks, US officials stated the goal is not merely to end the war but to assist Ukrainians in rebuilding their nation more robustly than ever, while acknowledging the delicate nature of the process and the unavoidable need for Russia's involvement in any final equation.
